Let’s Do More to Support Our Women’s Varsity Teams

By: Naz Buhagiar

We’ve seen the headlines in the past about women’s sports not being supported the same as men’s athletic endeavours.  How are we doing on campus?  Can we do more? 

There is some imbalance in fan attendance between Lancer women’s and men’s varsity athletics. According to Ontario University Athletics (OUA) attendance records, men’s teams at our University consistently draw larger crowds than women’s teams, underscoring a persistent trend. However, there is an exception, as women’s soccer has had a marginal lead over the men’s team in attendance over the past decade. Men’s teams continue to lead in other sports, such as hockey and volleyball. This data, compiled from the last ten years, includes both regular season and playoff games and underscores the disparity in fan support across these key sports:

While compiling this data, it’s important to note that attendance records for the Lancer basketball teams weren’t available due to record-keeping irregularities. This limits a fuller assessment of gender-based disparities in fan support across all major team sports at the University of Windsor. However, the data from hockey, volleyball, and soccer still reveals trends to keep an eye on. 

Brady Hinz, a forward for the men’s hockey team, described the energy of hockey games. He attributed the sport’s fast pace as a key draw for both students and local residents. The Lancers play at Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex, which is inconveniently located off-campus, and an hour and a half walk from the University. While student buses provide transportation to and from the games, the women’s hockey team’s separate schedule complicates fan support. Hinz believes that Lancer athletes themselves should set the tone by attending more women’s games, citing that “it will hopefully inspire others to come out and support.” 

Markus Law-Heese, a player from the men’s volleyball team emphasized the importance of promotion. Social media campaigns, ticket giveaways, and personal connections have all boosted turnout for men’s volleyball. However, he noted that fans often arrive just in time for the men’s games, leaving the women’s team with smaller crowds. Law-Heese also pointed to the difference in play style between men’s and women’s volleyball.  

“The average rally in women’s volleyball lasts about 15 seconds, compared to 3 seconds in men’s volleyball,” he explained.  

While men’s games showcase explosive power and quick finishes, women’s games feature longer rallies, requiring finesse and strategic play. This difference, Law-Heese suggested, impacts fan perception and engagement. 

“People come to see the energy and pace that men’s games bring, but they miss out on the incredible skill and teamwork in women’s games,” he said.  

This misconception about what makes a sport exciting may contribute to the attendance gap. Law-Heese stressed the unique strengths of women’s volleyball need to be promoted, such as the drama of extended rallies and the strategic depth of the game. 

The women’s soccer team offers a positive counterexample. Kailyn Robertson, midfielder for the women’s soccer team, shared that their games often draw support from parents and local youth teams, contributing to higher attendance than the men’s soccer team. However, she noted that the soccer field’s location, away from the main campus, limits broader student engagement.  

“Most students don’t even realize the field exists because it’s not part of their daily routine,” she explained. Robertson believes the team’s superior performance over the men’s team in recent years should attract even more fans. 

“We’ve proven we’re not just competitive, but better,” she said, emphasizing that their on-field success should be a natural draw.  

With stronger outreach, better location awareness, and increased acknowledgment of their achievements, the women’s soccer team could see attendance rise to match their dominance. 

These interviews highlight systemic challenges and cultural perceptions surrounding fan support. Women’s teams often face earlier game times, less promotional visibility, and perceptions that men’s sports are superior. However, these trends are not inevitable. Steps like enhanced promotion, unified schedules, and broader athlete engagement could create a more equitable and energized Lancer sports community. 

It’s time for the University of Windsor to reflect on its role in fostering equitable fan support for all its athletes, regardless of gender. Both athletes and the administration must work together to elevate women’s sports, ensuring equal visibility and fan engagement, so Lancer sports can thrive as a united community.